The Impossible Imperative brings to life the daily efforts of child welfare professionals working on behalf of vulnerable children and families. Stories that highlight the work, written by child welfare staff on the front lines, speak to the competing principles that shape everyday decisions. The book shows that, rather than being simple task of protecting children, the field of child welfare is shaped by a series of competing ideas. The text features eight principles that undergird child protection practice, all of which are typically in conflict with others. These principles guide practice and direct the course of policymaking, but when liberated from their aspirational context and placed in the real world, they are fraught with contradiction. The Impossible Imperative is designed to inspire a lively debate about the fundamental nature of child welfare and about the principles that serve as the foundation for the work. It can be used as a teaching tool for aspiring professionals and as motivation to those looking to social work to make a difference in the world.Table of Contents: About the Book 1. Child Welfare: Perilous Territory for Those Who Care Xander, by Freny Dessai Parker & Winona, by Trudi Frazel 2. Screening and Assessment: Who Do We Serve? Children in Need, by Maria Burch 3. Are They Safe (Enough)? Josiah & Jaden, by Leslie Laughlin Bill & Jane's family, by Erika Altobelli 4. The Oldest Debate in Child Welfare Tonya, by Socorro Reynoso Terry, by Viviana Colosimo-Blair 5. When We Say 'No' to Family Shannon, by Alyssa Barkley 6. Fighting for "Hard-to-Place" Kids Danny, by Monica Montury Luke, by Wendy Wiegmann 7. The Quest for a Forever Family Ethan, by Hanna Rashkovsky Olivia, Ronald, Vanessa, Chloe, and Nathaniel, by Traci Bernal 8. Culture Clash and the Power of the State Mario, by Angelica Rodriguez Pablo and Yessi, by Sasha McGowan 9. Whose Voice Counts? Alison, by Freny Dessai 10. Contested Principles on the Front Lines Joaquin, by Veronica Perez Glossary About the Authors Notes Index